LTL shipping is one of the best options when you’re looking to save money shipping your freight. But what exactly is LTL shipping? In this blog, we will look at the criteria, including weight restrictions, packaging, and transportation mode, among others, to get an idea of LTL shipping.
An LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipment refers to a shipment that is a consolidation of large packages from different shippers being transported on the same truck.
In essence, LTL shipping is a freight transportation method whereby cargo from different senders is packed together for shipping on a single truck. It is commonly employed for smaller shipments that do not require a full truckload but are too large for parcel carriers. Grouping shipments from various customers promotes efficient package delivery by reducing costs and environmental impact.
In general, a shipment is considered LTL if it satisfies the following criteria:
Space Utilization: LTL shipments utilize only some of the trailer space. When a shipment from a single shipper utilizes a truck’s entire capacity, it is called Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping.
Size and Weight: LTL shipments are typically smaller than a full truckload but larger than standard-size packages. While there is no specific weight or size limit, LTL shipments usually range from 150 pounds to 20,000 pounds (68 kg to 9,072 kg).
According to industry data, LTL shipments account for a significant portion of freight transportation in the United States. The American Trucking Association (ATA) reports that LTL carriers generated $39.2 billion in revenue in 2020, highlighting the sector's substantial economic impact. Furthermore, the LTL market is projected to experience steady growth, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2021 to 2026.
For a shipment to qualify as LTL with FedEx, it has to fulfill the following criteria:
If your shipment weighs over 15,000 lbs. (6,803 kg), you must contact the FedEx Freight Solutions Team for special arrangements.
FedEx has three LTL options for sending your shipments across Canada and cross-border to the U.S. and Mexico. These are:
This service is ideal when you’re shipping time-sensitive goods. It delivers to Canada, U.S., and Mexico.
Service Days: Monday through Friday
Coverage: Coast-to-Coast within Canada and Cross-border U.S. and Mexico.
Delivery Time: 1–3 days (depending on origin and destination).
In case your shipment needs extra attention or urgency, you can opt for the following additional services:
The other LTL service that FedEx offers is FedEx Freight Economy.
This service is ideal when cheaper rates are the priority rather than time and speed.
Service Days: Monday through Friday
Coverage: Cross-border U.S. and Mexico.
Delivery Time: 3–6 days (depending on origin and destination).
As with FedEx Freight Priority, you can add A.M. delivery and custom delivery to your shipment. These additional services can help you meet tight deadlines and improve the efficiency of your internal operations.
FedEx Freight Direct is a specialized service offered by FedEx Freight that provides a unique solution for shipping large, bulky, or heavy items directly to customers' homes or businesses. It delivers all across the U.S.
With over 370 service centers and a vast network spanning North America, FedEx Freight ensures efficient delivery and reliable service for LTL shipments.
Useful FedEx LTL Shipping Links
At UPS, LTL typically refers to palletized freight weighing more than 150 pounds.
If you’re shipping an un-palletized group of packages weighing over 151 lbs, UPS Ground with Freight Pricing may be a better option than LTL.
UPS provides LTL and FTL shipping through its own companies – like Coyote Logistics and UPS Supply Chain Solutions – and other third-party providers like TFI International Inc. UPS Freight facilitates LTL shipping across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Coyote Logistics, a UPS-owned company, offers the following LTL services:
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